Lot 5097: Guenter Wendt’s Apollo 16 Flown Flag

Lot 5097: Magnificent flown American flag carried on the Apollo 16 mission, 5.75 x 3.75, signed and flight-certified in black ballpoint, "This U. S. flag, flown to the moon in April 1972, was presented to me by the Apollo 16 crew—Guenter F. Wendt." Includes the original vellum presentation sheet, headed "This flag was carried to the moon by the crew of Apollo 16," and signed in the right portion in black felt tip by John Young, Charlie Duke, and Ken Mattingly, who adds in the upper left, "Guenter Wendt—Thanks for giving us such a good start." A Beta patch of the Apollo 16 mission insignia is affixed to the front of the sheet, which also bears a signed Guenter Wendt personal collection stamp on the reverse. The flag is in fine condition; presentation sheet is in very good condition, with overall scattered spots of toning, the signatures a few shades light and affected by dampstaining on the left side, and a pronounced central vertical fold. A beautiful token of appreciation from the Apollo 16 crew to the Kennedy Space Center's venerated launch pad leader.
RR Auction's The Nasa Collection of Leon Ford Auction 455
Thursday, 25th June 2015
Estimate: $8000 - 10000